Healthytips - A cough is a standard way of clearing the throat. When your airways become clogged with mucus or foreign irritants particles such as dust, smoke etc. a cough is a reflex reaction that attempts to clear the particles and make your breathing become easier.
Some coughs are dry. Others are productive. A productive cough is one that brings up mucus. Coughing to clear the throat is typically an infrequent action, although there are a number of conditions that can cause more frequent bouts of coughing.
There are a variety of ways to remedy a cough, depending on the type of cough. Typically, medical care will involve your doctor looking down your throat, listening to the cough, and asking about any other symptoms to recommend your cough remedy.
Below are the cough remedy based on the type of the cough :
PHLEGMY COUGH
THE REMEDY: Expectorant
It may sound like an X-Men villain, but this drug loosens mucus to make it easier to get rid of when you cough.
Look for guaifenesin, ammonium citrate or ipecachuana on the label and spend more on long release formulas. “Taking the wrong remedy can stop you bringing up mucus and make your cough last longer,” says pharmacist Raj Patel. You’ve been warned.
PERSISTENT COUGH
THE REMEDY: Antitussives
Lingering coughs occur when vocal cords slam together, causing potential damage to your throat. Antitussives block the cough reflex.
Look for pholcodine or dextromethorphan on the label. The urge to cough can be caused by dehydration so place a dish of water by radiators if you have the heating on, suggests Patel.Your cat will be pleased.
SORE THROAT AND COUGH
THE REMEDY: Menthol
Stash cough drops in your bag. The cooling effect of menthol works in the same way as an antitussive, while eucalyptus soothes the throat, says Dr Brendan J Canning, a neuroscientist from John Hopkins Medicine.
Blackcurrant contains gamma-linolenic acid, a fatty acid that soothes the throat and decreases inflammation. Suck it and see.
Blackcurrant contains gamma-linolenic acid, a fatty acid that soothes the throat and decreases inflammation. Suck it and see.
DRY TICKLY COUGH
THE REMEDY: Hot toddy
Nana was right. A hot honey will help. Honey spurs saliva production (a moist throat curtails
coughing). Try 1 tbsp honey and 3 tsp instant coffee in warm water.
In an Iranian study, people with dry coughs who drank it three times a day for a week coughed less than a control group. Use cold-processed honey as it retains its antibacterial properties. Buzzin’.